Ensemble's Open Virtualized Networking Platform Enables Service Providers to Realize New Business Opportunities

Martinsried and Munich, Germany, Dec. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ADVA Optical Networking today introduced its Ensemble SmartWAN platform. It has been specifically developed to enable the deployment and management of virtualized software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) solutions without any of the limitations or drawbacks of today's appliance-based offerings. Ensemble SmartWAN leverages Ensemble Connector and other elements of the ADVA Ensemble suite to provide the virtual infrastructure for hosting SD-WAN and other best-of-breed virtual network functions (VNFs). This combination ensures enterprises are not locked in to closed monolithic appliances but rather can take advantage of the benefits of NFV in conjunction with their SD-WAN deployments. Ensemble SmartWAN is supported by a number of key partners, including Silver Peak and Versa Networks.

"Ensemble SmartWAN isn't simply a piece of software; it's a philosophy that embodies everything our team is about. It's open; it's neutral; it's simple. Ultimately, it's all about choice, ensuring our customers are not locked in to one technology," said Prayson Pate, CTO, Ensemble Division, ADVA Optical Networking. "We've been watching the SD-WAN space for some time and recognize the value that SD-WAN brings to service providers and enterprises alike. However, we strongly believe that there are additional benefits that can be realized through the tight integration between NFV and SD-WAN. Our Ensemble SmartWAN transforms today's SD-WAN from a stand-alone monolithic application to become part of a rich solution set that enables other VNFs to share all SD-WAN features. What we've developed here provides the marketplace with something of real value and clearly takes SD-WAN to a whole new level."

Ensemble SmartWAN addresses a key gap in the marketplace. Current SD-WAN solutions enable enterprises to develop virtual private networks (VPNs) at more cost-effective price points than operator-managed MPLS VPNs. However, they present enterprises with significant operational issues as the IT department is suddenly responsible for all network management. From a service provider's perspective, today's SD-WAN solutions are a potential threat to their managed VPN revenue streams. Ensemble SmartWAN addresses the concerns of each party. With this technology, service providers can offer managed SD-WAN solutions in an automated and virtualized manner while retaining the ability to efficiently deploy additional value-added services on top of their base SD-WAN offerings. This approach enables enterprises to take advantage of the benefits of these virtualized, feature-rich services at a much lower cost.